Contact magazine

Contact magazine

You might have even seen eyebrow-raising headlines about just how much plastic we consume, including a popular claim that the average person now consumes a credit card worth of plastic each week. But is there any truth to it?

Pages

  • Contact caught up with Dr Brooke Devlin to break down why the 3pm slump at work is so common, and how to overcome it without sugar or caffeine.
  • In September 2024, Queensland’s Parliament passed landmark legislation that will soon give donor-conceived people – individuals conceived with a donated egg or sperm, usually through a fertility clinic – the right to access identifying information about their donor parents. It’s a change that donor-conceived people and their allies have long advocated for.
  • UQ Mythbusters has enlisted the help of Professor Ian Godwin, Director of UQ’s Centre for Crop Science, to help uncover some dirt on what the real differences are when you buy organic and you might be surprised.
  • This year, World Health Day (7 April) is focusing on maternal and newborn health through the theme ‘healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging health systems globally to evolve to manage the many issues impacting mothers and their babies, including non-communicable diseases.
  • Many of us hesitate to seek help or testing for our hearing. Perhaps you’re afraid you’ll be told to wear hearing aids, and envision the large and bulky hearing aids you might have seen on your grandparents decades ago. What are your options?
  • For this edition of UQ Mythbusters, Dr Marlize Bekker and Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen from the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability in the Faculty of Science help us get to the truth about the safety of non-stick cookware, the chemicals involved, and the best practices to ensure your cookware remains safe.
  • You might have heard that eating too many eggs will cause high cholesterol, leading to poor health. But is there any truth to it? Our UQ experts unpack the science of eggs so you can crack on with your breakfast.
  • The greatest risk factors for developing dementia – age and genetics – are beyond our control. However, studies show many health and lifestyle choices have an impact on our dementia risk.
  • The simple steps you can take to prevent mould from becoming a problem in your home.

Pages

  • Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this story contains images and names of deceased persons. In 1982, Eddie Koiki Mabo and 4 other plaintiffs initiated a legal case that would change Australia forever.
  • We spoke to UQ experts Professor Jolanda Jetten, Head of UQ’s School of Psychology and Professor Alina Morawska, Director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre to unpack how online radicalisation works, how to identify potential warning signs and how to approach someone you care about if you think they need help.
  • In September 2024, Queensland’s Parliament passed landmark legislation that will soon give donor-conceived people – individuals conceived with a donated egg or sperm, usually through a fertility clinic – the right to access identifying information about their donor parents. It’s a change that donor-conceived people and their allies have long advocated for.
  • With new campaign advertisements flooding social media feeds and traditional media channels, it can be hard for voters to understand where they sit on contentious topics. Contact asked UQ experts Professor Brenda Gannon, Dr David Morrison, Professor Shaun Bond and Professor John Quiggin to share their take on some key 2025 election issues.
  • The Queensland Government has delivered the highly anticipated final announcement of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venues. How will it shape Brisbane’s future as a global city – and what could it mean for the legacy of the 2032 Games? UQ experts and alumni leaders weigh in.
  • It’s back-to-school season around Australia. While many students will be excited to reunite with friends, or have some nerves about the first day, others may feel an overwhelming sense of dread about school.
  • Critical care researcher Professor John Fraser and former Alumni Friends president Dr Catherine Lawrence are among members of UQ community recognised in today’s Australia Day honours. UQ graduate and Indigenous rights advocate Professor Megan Davis is one of only 6 Australians to receive the nation’s highest civil honour – the Companion of the Order of Australia.
  • As voters get ready to head to the polls for the Queensland state elections, how will the major parties plan to address the housing and rental crisis, and what policies need to be implemented urgently?
  • The Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and many other political leaders want to ban young Australians from social media until they turn 16. Is that a good idea or a regressive move that distracts us from the more important task of building forms of social media that enable young people to flourish?

Pages

Pages

  • At just 21 years of age she launched Be Seen Socials, and 5 years on her social media agency’s success has earned her recognition as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia. Contact spoke to her about taking the leap into owning her own business, the power of manifesting your goals and how a personal brand could elevate your career.

Pages

Pages

If you've stopped receiving Contact or changed your email, update your details with UQ to reconnect.
Got a story to share, some feedback or a question? Reach out to the Contact team today.

About Contact magazine

Contact magazine is your pocket guide to navigating our changing world. Landing in email inboxes monthly, with added special editions covering timely topics, our features keep you informed and entertained. Contact brings together the best insights from UQ’s alumni, researchers and community, connecting our global network of ChangeMakers through storytelling.